AfricaPress-Tanzania: PRESIDENT John Magufuli has sent a condolence message to Speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai on the sudden death of Special Seats Member of Parliament Martha Umbulla of Chama Cha Mapinduzi.
The 66-year-old legislator died on Thursday in Mumbai, India, where she went for medical treatment.
President Magufuli expressed his shock on Umbulla’s untimely demise, saying her death was horrifying information to the family, parliamentarians and residents of Manyara Region.
“Martha Umbulla was hardworking and pro-development. I remember her leadership efforts as a District Commissioner and Member of Parliament for the United Republic of Tanzania,” a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications said, wishing the deceased’s family to find strength and patience during this challenging time.
A statement issued by the Speaker’s Office in Dodoma on Thursday said the MP died in Mumbai around midnight, local time.
The cause of her death was not disclosed as the Speaker’s Office is collaborating with the deceased’s family for burial arrangements.
“I have received with shock reports over the death of Hon Martha Umbulla. I convey my condolence to the family, parliamentarians and Manyara residents,” the statement said.
Umbulla attended Dongobesh Primary School between 1963 and 1969. She joined Korogwe Girls Secondary School (1970-73) and Tabora Girls Secondary School (1974-75) for ordinary and advanced secondary education respectively.
She attained her first Diploma from MATI Ukiriguru, Postgraduate from Reading University in the UK and a Master’s degree from ESAMI.
She held roles as District Commissioner in (2012-2014), Agricultural Officer, Credit Officer and lecturer at the Ministry of Agriculture Training Institute Ukiriguru.
She has been an MP since 2005.
